Dr. Bernie Arauz Cantón is an international lawyer, academic, and educator whose work integrates the disciplines of public international law, peace studies, and human rights. A native of Filadelfia in the province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica, Dr. Arauz relocated to the United Kingdom after being appointed as a Lector in Spanish Language by the Central Bureau for Educational Visits and Exchanges at Leeds Trinity University. With a bilingual background and multicultural academic trajectory, he brings a deep commitment to intercultural dialogue and global justice.

Dr. Arauz began his academic journey at the University of Costa Rica before receiving a scholarship from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which enabled him to study English at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and pursue undergraduate studies in Political Science at the Inter American University of Puerto Rico in San Germán.

After settling in the United Kingdom, he completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Modern Languages and a Master of Education (M.Ed.) at the University of Leeds. His early teaching experience in secondary and further education provided him with a strong pedagogical foundation and inspired a lasting interest in second language acquisition and cross-cultural communication. These formative experiences deepened his understanding of how language, education, and cultural identity influence the way individuals engage with the world—and with each other.

Motivated by a growing concern for international affairs, Dr. Arauz went on to complete a Master of Arts in International Politics and Security Studies at the University of Bradford’s Department of Peace Studies, world renowned for its leadership in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and global security. There, he developed a particular interest in the legal constraints and frameworks governing international relations, including the law of armed conflict, the use of force, and the pursuit of peace and security under international law.

He subsequently undertook advanced legal studies at the Complutense University of Madrid, earning both a Master’s degree and a Doctorate in International Law. His doctoral thesis—awarded the highest academic distinction and recommended for publication—focused on asymmetric warfare and proportionality, examining their implications for international humanitarian law, a subject of enduring relevance in modern conflict and international legal debate.

Dr. Arauz has presented scholarly work at international forums and conferences, including a notable presentation at The Hague Peace Palace in 2017, where he delivered an in-depth legal analysis of United Nations Security Council Resolution 242 (1967) and its implications for the territorial sovereignty of East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

In the United Kingdom, Dr. Arauz has held academic appointments at several universities, including Leeds Trinity University, the University of Huddersfield, and the University of Bradford. He also promotes peace and legal education abroad as the founder and advocate of the Chair in Peace Education and Human Rights at the University of Costa Rica. Additionally, he is an Associate Member of the Centre for Constitutional and Public International Law at the University of Aberdeen.

Dr. Arauz is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) in the United Kingdom and a member of the British branch of the International Law Association. His professional affiliations reflect a sustained engagement with both the theory and practice of international legal development.

He has published scholarly work in both English and Spanish and serves on the editorial boards and scientific committees of several academic journals, including Actualidades Investigativas en Educación (University of Costa Rica), Law in Society (ULACIT), and other peer-reviewed publications. He regularly reviews academic articles in the fields of education and international law.

In the field of human rights, Dr. Arauz served as an expert adviser for the Human Rights and Values Project, a joint initiative of the University of Costa Rica and the University of Osnabrück in Germany. His contributions included the development of educational materials and training strategies focused on the promotion of democratic values and legal empowerment.

Beyond the university context, Dr. Arauz contributes to public understanding of international affairs as a legal analyst for Conexión Mundial, a current affairs programme broadcast by Costa Rica’s national television channel Canal 13 (SINART). There, he provides accessible commentary on global legal and political developments, with a focus on international conflict and diplomacy.

Dr. Arauz’s scholarly work is marked by its interdisciplinary depth, international scope, and ethical grounding. His broad educational path and diverse professional roles reflect a lifelong commitment to the transformative potential of law, education, and peace in an increasingly interconnected world.